Here is the three things India must do correctly to dominate Day 3 of the first SA vs. IND 2023 Test
After two days of play, Team India’s ostensibly greatest chance to win a Test series in South Africa is already in risk.
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Three things India must do correctly to dominate Day 3 of the first SA vs. IND 2023 Test
The hosts had a small 11-run advantage at the close of Day 2 with five wickets in hand, putting the Men in Blue on the back foot.
Dean Elgar’s presence at the crease may be the most restricting element for India when the third day begins at the Super Sport Park.
The opener has looked at ease for the most part, scoring 140 runs in 211 pitches. And he will try to lay on more misery as part of his farewell series festivities.
India’s bowling team lacked power, and the performances of the backup bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur were, to say the least, troubling.
In the fast bowling department, there was a big difference in talent between the two pairs. Which meant that India could not establish themselves for an extended length of time.
If India does not want to get blown away on Day 3 of the Test, they must step up significantly. There are the Three things India must do correctly to dominate Day 3 of the first SA vs. IND 2023 Test.
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1. Attempt to obtain some wickets using the old ball itself
Team India has been unable to make the aging ball speak, and the improving batting conditions have not helped.
Dean Elgar and David Bedingham were able to add 131 runs in just 30 overs, beginning in the 31st over, demonstrating how little control India had as the ball aged.
India is still 14 overs away from receiving the new ball. And they should strive for some scalps with the old ball early in the day.
If they rely completely on the new ball to take all four remaining wickets, it may be too late, adding important runs to South Africa’s growing lead.
To India’s dismay, any possibility of reverse swing with the old ball is improbable, since the pitch and outfield are not abrasive enough to roughen up the ball on a side.
However, South Africa bowled 67.4 overs in the first innings, and there was some movement in the final stages with the old ball as well.
2. Begin the day with the correct group of bowlers
The second session began with two maiden overs from Krishna and Thakur, but they proceeded to surrender 42 runs in the following six overs, allowing Dean Elgar and Tony de Zorzi to get some significant momentum.
With the new ball 14 overs away, Rohit Sharma will have a difficult time choose which bowlers to start the day with.
Should India start with Bumrah and Siraj to take an early advantage, or save them for the new ball?
Given the age of the ball, even Ravichandran Ashwin is a contender, as are Dean Elgar, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada, all left-handed batsmen.
3. Batters must place a monetary value on their wicket
Regardless of South Africa’s eventual advantage at the end of the first innings, India will have a difficult time with the bat in the second innings.
The Indian top-order was ripped away at the first attempt, and a recurrence of that might mean that the Test does not go to the final day.
In retrospect, despite the fact that the Proteas bowlers bowled brilliantly with the new ball, the first set of wickets were likely unnecessary.
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From Rohit Sharma’s pull shot to Shubman Gill’s errant shot down the leg side, the scalps might have been avoided to some extent.
Team India must avoid making such errors when it is their turn to bat again, and unlike the first innings, the margin for error is minimal to say the least.